Updates from Guatemala and Nicaragua
Currently, Guatemala and Nicaragua are experiencing significant chaos in the wake of a natural disaster and a deepening political and economic crisis, respectively. Both countries are home to two of our partner factories: 

  • Fabrica EcoComal outside of Antigua, Guatemala and;
  • Fabrica Avanza, located in Esteli, Nicaragua. 

This month, we want to update you on the situation in each country and how our factory partners are doing. 
Guatemala Update
On June 3rd, Volcan de Fuego erupted. As many previous trip participants recall, Fuego frequently shows signs of activity. Fuego’s eruption and pyroclastic flows quickly destroyed villages, coffee farms and a golf resort. According to recent news reports, 110 are confirmed dead and over 200 are missing. 
 
Our partners at the EcoComal stove factory are all safe. Luckily, the factory is located on the other side of where the volcano erupted, sheltering them from the fast and deadly moving lava. Heavy ash continues to fall throughout the area as of recent reports. Vicky de Martinez, the social worker in Alotenango who recently helped us place 250 Ecocina cookstoves with your support, reported that the residents of Alotenango are safe, but shaken and worried for the well-being of family and friends.

StoveTeam continues to communicate with EcoComal and Vicky to keep tabs on their safety and the local need for clean cookstoves. Once the recovery process begins, StoveTeam plans to provide support through the continued distribution of safe cookstoves. 
Nicaragua Update
Nicaragua is experiencing a different kind of disaster. On April 18 th , protests erupted in response to changes the government made to the national social security program. Since then, protests have evolved into a broad, student-led call for the president and his wife to step down and for new elections to be held. While violence is most intense in the capitol of Managua, protests have been sparked nationwide. 

StoveTeam’s partner factory, Fábrica Avanza, is located in Estelí, about 3 hours from the capitol. The factory’s managers, Marvin and Elida, have assured us that they are safe, but the factory is suffering due to barricades on main highways, halting travel, commerce and access to supplies. Marvin and Elida have been forced to reduce factory operations and plan to continue with limited promotional efforts in Estelí. 

Currently, StoveTeam is working with local Rotary clubs and NGO partners to ensure that Fabrica Avanza can weather this storm. Contact us to learn more.
In other news...
Support StoveTeam here at home.
The Eugene Emeralds are spotlighting game on June 19th. Ticket sales purchased through the link below will support StoveTeam and our partners in Central America.

When: June 19 @7pm
Where: PK Park, Eugene, OR
StoveTeam International | 541-554-4638 | Visit our website